11 replies to this topic

[andym172]

Bugger...

Well, 4 years into my driving life and I've received a bloody speeding fine
If ever there was a time that I thought I would receive a ticket, it would have been when I first passed my test and drove around like pretty much every 17 year old - like a complete fool

Now, old age setting in, and me starting to enjoy driving rather than just the sensation of speed, I go and get a speeding ticket which could prove to be a bit of a whopper!

A few months ago I was in the Warwickshire area (on the A45), late for a meeting, and not paying full attention to the speed limit - more judging my speed according to the conditions (lovely and sunny, clear visibility, bone dry roads).

I'm not from the area and am not particularly familiar with the roads, but from what I can remember the A45 is a wide dual carriageway befitting of a 70 limit IMHO, but has a 50mph limit imposed.

I was caught by a forward facing TruVelo camera so knew instantly that I'd been caught

Within 2 weeks I had received notification that I had been caught and was given the option of receiving 3 points and a £60 fine. I thought this to be fair cop so accepted the fine and points.

Fast forward to this morning. I've now received a court summons which informs me that I must appear at Warwickshire Magistrates' Courts on a given date next month.

According to The Speed Trap Bible the current guidelines from the Association of Chief Police officers is that you have to be doing 76mph+ in a 50mph limit to receive a summons.

I'd be hugely surprised if I was doing 76mph+ but it is a possibility - I honestly believe I was doing approx 70mph.

Obviously, living in the North West I'd prefer not to have to travel - is there any way of getting out of this?

Are Warwickshire Magistrates currently having a big cut down on speeding??

I was speeding, I knew the risks and I took them, so I can't complain. Given that this is my first offence, what sort of a punishment am I looking at? (The SpeedTrap Bible says that I could be looking at a fine of £200 plus 6 points on my license).

Any advice would be gratefully received!

Andy.

[minime]

hmmmm.....i have had 2 convinctions this year ( 1 week apart!!) the first one was for 103.6 on a motorway...£395 + 21 driving ban...if i had been doing under 96 it would have been 6 points on the license and no court case! second one was for being lazer zapped on a dual carriage way..54 in a 30 ( found out after that the speedo on the vx is lees than 1 mile out at 70!) for this i was sent a court summons and promptly got 6 points and £195 fine... both of these convictions i recieved firstly a letter ( an automated one with the laser) stating what i had been caught doing and that they would in contact with me in the future....both times i recieved a summons

[andym172]

andy what did the original fine tell you your speed was?

i cannot see any good reason why, after they have given you an option and you have accepted it,  they can then change their minds and summons you to appear in court....well out of order if you ask me and if it were me i think i'd be seeking legal advice.

Thanks for the replys guys!

I've gone and mislaid the bloody NIP letter and can't remember whether or not it told me of my specific speed

I have a good solicitor so will be seeking his advice asap - bar-steward's currently on holiday though, hence me posting here.

You know what Magistrates are like, 7Xmph in a 50mph - wonder how long it'll take them to label me a 'MURDERER!!!' etc etc

I'm a 'Yoof', caught speeding in a (relatively) powerful car - am expecting to be given a good rodgering to be honest

[Blanchie]

Sounds like Warwickshire are starting a zero tolerance and summoning everyone, Friend of a friend etc was summoned for 82 in a 70 (ie A46 heading to stratford) Legal advice is defo the best option. Personally i can't see how they can retract the first offer. Unless It's a different offence.

[P11 COV]

I was summonsed for 93 in 60. £300 and 6 points. I was told a ban could have been on the cards as it was over 30 over the limit but I crawled to the magistrates a little

[andym172]

Just got the following off Scoobynet: Just been chatting with a JP - very interesting chat regarding speeding - I will pass on what I have gleaned from someone who dishes out the penalties:- 1. The fine for speeding is 1 weeks wages, say £1000 2. The average fine is £250 3. They ask you to fill in an earnings declaration 4. Some are advised NOT to fill it in by their lawyers 5. The ONLY thing that the bench can impose, fine wise, if they have no earnings declaration form is the average ... ie. £250! 6. Also, do NOT turn up at court - or you WILL be asked your earnings and you then MUST declare them and be truthfull - or its BIG pooh!! So, basically, you can save yourself £750 by just not bothering to turn up or even fill out any of the forms!! Is this correct? Also, is it possible for the hearing to be moved to a court of your choice? Thanks for the info guys'!

[Purebob]

Hmm. For doing 50% over the posted limit I reckon you'll be made an example I'm afraid. £500 and six points minimum.

[andym172]

Hmm. For doing 50% over the posted limit I reckon you'll be made an example I'm afraid.

£500 and six points minimum.

Exactly what I was thinking...

Are any of you guys familiar with the A45?

[Turbo Head]

From past experience, getting a summons seems to be a complete hit or miss and depends purely on the boys in blue. Since I have averaged 40 - 45k miles a year for the past fifteen years, speeding tickects are an occupational hazard. (Ticket free for four years until I bought the VX). I have only been summons once and that was for doing 86 on a 70 mph dual carriageway, got 3 points and a £400 fine. My most recent encounter with plod, proves the point, that it's the boys in blue who hold the power. I was in the VX late in the evening and got stuck behind a lady in a Micra doing 20 mph in built up area, followed her for three miles and she kept slowing as if she was going pull over. I make a point of not speeding in built up areas and have never had a ticket in a 30 mph. I waited until a point where the road leaves the built up area and widens, bliped the throttle and went past. Plod steps out in the middle of the road and does me for doing 48 mph in a 30, I was s******g myself because I was more than 50% over the limit and he made a big point of this. Then he gives me a fixed penalty 3 points £60. My point is, when comes to speeding the law is a law unto it's self. Best of luck I hope you get off lightly. P.S. You can ask for information from the Police such as exact location, speed etc.

Edited by Turbo Head, 14 November 2003 - 09:23 AM.

[Purebob]

A45 Coventry road? The one with more speed cameras on it than a dog has fleas? On rereading your post I don't think the cops received your acceptance of the FPN within the timescale. Try calling the court to find out if this is the case. They can't offer you an FPN then withdraw after acceptance and 3 points and £60 is a VERY GOOD RESULT here IMO.

[max]

From past experience, getting a summons seems to be a complete hit or miss and depends purely on the boys in blue.

totaly agree, very hit or miss. I was stopped by on a dual carrigeway doing 47 in a 30
and asked to accept a fixed penalty. but being on 9 points I explained that I was basicly screwed either way so I would have to fight it. he left me off with a bollocking and a producer.. luck me thinks.
could have been because he was on his own? or didnt want to go to court?